Background

Psychosocial short stature (PSS) is a disorder of short stature or growth failure and/or delayed puberty of infancy, childhood, and adolescence that is observed in association with emotional deprivation, a pathologic psychosocial environment, or both. A disturbed relationship between child and caregiver is usually noted.
[1] A number of pediatric endocrinologists have studied and categorized several generally accepted subtypes; these clinicians also have described therapeutic interventions for children with PSS.

The following 3 subtypes are described, based on the patient's age at presentation and the clinical findings:

In type I PSS, the age of onset is infancy. Usually, failure to thrive (FTT) is present, but no bizarre behaviors are observed. Patients are often depressed. Normal growth hormone (GH) secretion is found, but responsiveness to GH is unknown. No history of parental rejection is present in type I PSS.

In type II PSS, the age of onset is 3 years or older. Some of these patients have FTT. Bizarre behaviors are usually observed, and patients are often depressed. Decreased or absent GH secretion is found with minimal responsiveness to GH. A history of parental rejection or pathology is present.
[2]

In type III PSS, the age of onset is in infancy or older. FTT is not usually present, and bizarre behavior is not usually observed. GH secretion is normal; responsiveness to GH is significant. No history of parental rejection is present.

Next:

Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of PSS is complex, involving some nutritional factors and a heterogenous endocrine dysfunction; however, the pathophysiology mostly involves psychological and environmental pathology, affecting the growth and development of the child. Endocrine disturbances of GH, secondary thyroid dysfunction, and somatomedin C (Sm-C) levels are reported in persons with type II PSS. Linear growth is obviously delayed. Growth arrest lines are observed in long bones, and temporary widening of cranial sutures has been reported. Sleep disturbance and pain agnosia are observed. Sequelae in higher cognitive and other psychological functions have been described in adults with a history of this disorder. Some recent neuroendocrine research has been focused on the relationship of environmental stress on growth.
[3, 4]

Previous

Next:

Epidemiology

Frequency

Psychosocial short stature is so rare a form of growth failure related to severe abuse or neglect that there is no epidemiological data available on the actual incidence.

Mortality/Morbidity

Mortality rates are unknown. Because this is a form of severe child neglect, morbidity can be considered present in all children diagnosed with PSS. Therefore, the rate and severity of morbidity relates to the chronic nature of the deprivation, time of diagnosis, subsequent placement into a nurturing environment, and, finally, the long-term follow-up care while living in a secure and nurturing environment.

Race

All races are affected by child neglect; however, literature and early studies report that most cases of PSS occur in Caucasians.

Sex

Increased occurrence in males has been suggested only by anecdotal reports.

Age

The age of onset for type I PSS is infancy. The onset of type II PSS is in children aged 3 years or older. The onset in type III PSS occurs in infancy or later in childhood.

Growth curves of 5 children with psychosocial short stature are depicted. In each instance, the increase in the slope of the curve occurred simultaneously with removal from the adverse home environment. The asterisk (*) notes the time of this removal.